The upcoming U.K. theme park resort Universal Studios Great Britain has sparked endless speculation about what lands and attractions will appear. While fan-favorite IPs like Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and even British staples such as Paddington and James Bond dominate the rumor mill, there’s one franchise yet to enter conversation: The Flintstones.
At first glance, a Flintstones-themed Bedrock land might feel like a long shot. After all, Hanna-Barbera’s “modern Stone Age family” hasn’t been front and center in pop culture for years. It’s been decades since the two live-action films, The Flintstones (1994), which starred John Goodman as Fred, and its prequel, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000).
The Flintstones Remains a Pop Culture Staple
However, despite the fact that the franchise is on a hiatus, it remains a pop culture staple. First airing in 1960, The Flintstones became the first prime-time animated series and has remained a beloved classic ever since. From spin-offs and merchandise to the live-action movies, Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, and Dino are still instantly recognizable characters.
But now. with a new 3D animated Flintstones movie reportedly in development from writers Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who directed 2023’s box office hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the inhabitants of Bedrock could soon be poised for a major return to the mainstream.
Looking specifically at the theme park setting, few properties are as visually tailor-made for immersive experiences. Bedrock’s stone-age suburbs, quirky “modern” contraptions, and vibrant cartoon palette offer endless potential for rides, family attractions, and even Flintstones-style stores and restaurants.
After all, despite the fact that the 1994 film was a critical disappointment, there’s no denying how the live-action film perfectly captures the look and feel of the original Hanna-Barbera cartoon. And compared to darker, action-heavy IPs, The Flintstones brings a timeless, family-friendly charm that aligns perfectly with a resort expected to attract both U.K. locals and international travelers.
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Existing Flintstones Attractions Worldwide
Interestingly, The Flintstones has never had a permanent presence at any Universal Studios theme park resort worldwide — not at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, or Universal Beijing Resort. But that’s not to say the franchise doesn’t have a footprint elsewhere.
Roadside Americana fans will know about Bedrock City in Arizona, a quirky tourist stop that once featured a Flintstones amusement park and RV campground. Over in the Middle East, however, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi features a full-fledged Bedrock land, home to themed stores and restaurants and Bedrock River Adventure, a log flume ride where guests float past elaborate scenes with animatronic versions of the Flintstones cast.
Here’s the official description for Bedrock at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi:
Step back in time as you enter Bedrock, a rocking land full of Stone Age family fun and adventure. Packed with iconic features from the legendary family favorite show, Bedrock gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with all your favorite Bedrock cartoon characters in Abu Dhabi right in the middle of their prehistoric town.
Join in with lovable cave-families The Flintstones and The Rubbles – Fred, Wilma, Pebbles, Barney, Betty and Bamm Bamm – and characters Dino and Baby Puss as they go about their everyday lives. Check out our delectable Dino-sized meals and exciting rides.
But while Universal itself hasn’t hosted a land or even a ride, it did once stage The Flintstones Show, a live musical spectacular that ran at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Panasonic Theater from 1994 until January 2, 1997 — proof that the studio has “Yabba-dabbled” with the property before.
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What Lands and Attractions Have Been Confirmed for Universal Studios Great Britain?
Ultimately, while nothing has been confirmed for Universal Studios Great Britain, Bedrock could be a bold wildcard. The IP carries nostalgic weight for older fans while offering colorful, accessible theming for younger audiences (the Bamm Bamms and the Pebbles).
If Universal wants to make its U.K. resort stand out, then giving guests the chance to yell “Yabba-Dabba-Doo!” in a fully realized Bedrock might be the kind of swing worth taking.
The Flintstones Would Be a Perfect Addition to the U.K. Resort
Imagine a family dark ride through Fred’s foot-powered car, a prehistoric roller coaster winding through “stone canyons,” or even a live show in the town’s famous rock quarry.
Compared to more serious franchises, The Flintstones’ vibrant aesthetic feels like one of the most theme park-worthy IPs out there. Provided Universal wouldn’t expect guests to help the ride gain forward-momentum by using their bare feet like Fred does, The Flintstones is a no-brainer.
While Universal already has its fair share of prehistoric attractions, a Flintstones-themed land would also provide a welcome tonal shift from the darker, adrenaline-driven vibe of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World.
Guests can already experience prehistoric thrills on the likes Jurassic Park: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood and Jurassic Park River Adventure and VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort. But by contrast, The Flintstones would offer a lighter, more comedic take on prehistory.
With development already underway in Bedford, England, Universal has confirmed that the resort will be its most technologically advanced park yet, combining immersive environments with cutting-edge attractions.
It’s projected to open in 2031 and is expected to become a direct rival to Disneyland Paris, cementing the U.K as a major player in the European theme park market. Whether or not Fred himself makes the cut remains to be seen, but a Bedrock-themed land would bring a prehistoric twist to Universal’s already powerhouse lineup.
For now, Universal states the following on its official U.K. website regarding the upcoming resort’s attractions:
“We recognise the tremendous excitement our developments bring; however, it is still too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. Should we secure the necessary planning approvals, we would confirm the exact details at a later stage.”
For more information about Universal Studios Great Britain, visit Universal UK Project.
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